Chinese insurance company Ping An has denied a report linking it to the purchase of shares in Manchester United.
The Sunday Times reported that a Chinese buyer was interested in acquiring a stake in United, prompting reports that Ping An was the party in question.
But the insurance giant, which is listed on both the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges, denied the report.
"The information is false," spokesman Sheng Ruisheng told 21st Century Business Herald.
"Ping An has not been involved in any discussion on purchasing a holding in Manchester United, and [Ping An chairman and CEO] Ma Mingzhe has never owned any shares in Manchester United.
"As a listed company, Ping An releases all information in official statements. Please don't believe rumours."
Ping An, one of the world's largest insurance firms, is the title sponsor of the Chinese Super League, having initially signed a four-year deal in 2014, later extended until 2022.